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Suhaag raat – It is a significant ritual in the life of a newlywed couple in India as it refers to the maiden night after marriage between the husband and wife when they go intimate with their physical relationship for the first time.
Vada – Also known as ‘Medhu vada’ in South India, it’s made with urad dal and herbs.
Vada pav – Sometimes spelled ‘wada pav’ or ‘vada paav’, it’s a popular spicy vegetarian fast food dish native to the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is a potato vada sandwiched between two pieces of pav (bread).
Vaishno Devi – The name for Mother Goddess, the temple is located at Trikuta Mountains in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India.
Vegetable curry – Vegetable dish made with various spices.
Wah – An expression of subtle sadness, often resulting from disappointment or bad news.
Wati – Small stainless-steel bowl
Yaar – An informal way to address friends
Zari – Golden thread embroidery
Prologue
November 22nd, 2009
Mr. Sashank Verma heard the announcement of the landing of Singapore Airlines flight 456 at Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The crowd jostled him as families and friends all headed to the arrival gate at once. Heading for the baggage claim area and the exit gate, he searched for his brother Deepak, who was arriving from San Francisco. After several minutes, Sashank spotted his brother and waved his hand.
Deepak walked to meet his older brother and touched his feet in respect. “Bhaiya, how are you?”
The brothers hugged each other, and Sashank asked, “Deepak, how was the journey?”
“All right, but it was a long trip.”
Sashank looked around to see if there was somewhere Deepak could wait until he brought the car. Finding no area, he shrugged his shoulders. “Deepak, please wait here. I will bring the car.”
Once the luggage was loaded and they were headed for home, Deepak asked, “Bhaiya, how are you and how is Akash?”
“All right, keeping myself busy and healthy,” Sashank replied. “You know Akash – he is at a discourse and could not come; otherwise he is doing well.” He smiled and nodded his head. “And how is your job? We hear so much about recession and bad economy in the US; has that had any impact in the area, your job?”
“The US is certainly going through hard times now. Several people have lost their jobs. By God’s grace, it has not impacted our company. As a matter of fact, I just implemented a big project a couple of weeks ago. Because of this, I was able to get some time off to visit you all in India. Definitely a good break, I needed it. We spent long hours at work for the last few months.”
They discussed whether Deepak was going to stay for a few weeks, and Deepak responded that he was here for five weeks this time. Sashank was very happy and suggested that he should rest and enjoy his stay.
Deepak nodded. “Haan, bhaiya, this trip is all rest and relaxation for me. We have another project ready, and we will start on it after I get back, probably early next year.” After a few minutes, Deepak enquired about Kaki and Lakshmi.
“Everybody is fine, and they are excited. Kaki and Lakshmi have been talking about cooking your favorite dishes; Lakshmi, as usual, is excited for chocolates from you.” Sashank smiled. “She’ll never change, and she still behaves like a child when it comes to chocolates.”
Deepak smiled and looked forward to seeing them all. He looked around as they drove – the noise, the smell and sounds and honking of vehicles – and the crowds on the roads took him back to the days when he lived in Mumbai. He missed this in the US!
They arrived at Sashank’s residence. Tropical winter had arrived in November, and the temperatures were a little cooler in the evenings and early mornings, but the air was humid. Deepak got out of the car and took a deep breath, smelling the air. He was so happy to come back to the house where he grew up. He looked around and tried to identify some neighbors and said to himself, “I wonder if it is the same neighbors?” He sighed. “Everything looks the same. I am so glad to be here.”
It was past 11 p.m. Deepak and Sashank walked in with the luggage; Kaki and Lakshmi waited eagerly to receive Deepak. Deepak touched their feet and enquired about them. In a few minutes, Akash arrived from satsangh and greeted Deepak.
“Ha, Akash bhaiya, how are you?” asked Deepak, hugging his brother.
“Deepak, how are you and how was the journey?”
“I am doing well.”
Then Akash looked at Kaki and Lakshmi aunty. “Kaki and Lakshmi aunty, it is late. Deepak and I will have dinner together; both of you please retire for the night.”
“It’s all right, Akash. Deepak beta is here; I can help warm up the food,” responded Kaki.
